cling to the memory of what you need
passion
there is a ladder reaching
up
fingers brush bottom rung
cling and sting barren
fingertips
five more steps.
electronic fuzz covers all
sound
no comfort in motherly tones
or a silly compliment
a moment gone
this moment of memory
is the moment’s memory
of the next moment’s
four more steps.
sinewy split fingertips ache.
take a breath and look
radiance of golden hair
brine and salt on eager lips.
three more steps.
breathe and remember.
slow burn of ligaments stretched too far.
creases and canyons of worry etched in
centimeters between my brow.
a consideration of slipping fingers.
joints loosen
a grey scent covers my mouth
i am drawn back again
fingers clenched.
up.
two more steps.
believe and remember.
hairpins pressed against my scalp
heat’s fingers stroke my forehead
flushed and filled with relief.
please remember why.
the memories are there
tucked behind swinging doors
inside a teddy bear you once adored.
ballooning up inside you, reach
reach an inch further.
you have come too far to fall.
reach further.